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The Italian Greyhound Club of America is the national "parent"
club for the breed. One of the club's missions is rescue, and it
has a nationwide organization of rescue representatives, foster
homes and other volunteers, including some here in Houston. For
more information about Houston-area IGCA rescues, please contact
the Houston IGCA Rescue rep.
Click for further IGCA information: 
Are You In the San Antonio Area?
Click here for information about upcoming IG-related events and activities for folks in the SA area.
These
IGCA rescues are looking for
homes |
Cosby
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IGCA about Cosby
Preliminary
info: Cosby is handsome, sweet and very strong for 9 months. He is also pretty calm for his age, but we'll see what happens as he gets settled in to his foster home. This boy is right on the edge of the puppy-to-dog change — still goofy but starting to be well-behaved and lovable. He is good on-lead, as long as you don't try to take him somewhere he doesn't want to go. After and vet examination and his neuter surgery, Cosby will be ready to start booking interviews.
More info
when available... |
Toryanne
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IGCA about Toryanne
Hello, my name is Toryanne and I am a beautiful fawn mature female at age 9. I had my female surgery in 2009 to retire me from being a Mommy all of my life. I am shy and a bit nervous and since being in my new foster home in San Antonio I am gradually beginning to understand what is is like to be pampered and spoiled, and truly loved. My potty skills are coming along very well - my Foster Mom has been able to teach me to use puppy potty pads and so far - it's a great concept! I've gotten to the point where I hardly need them any more. If you take me out every 2-3 hours, it's all good. I've gone 4-6 hours without an accident when left, my nervous accidents seem to be behind me. Also, when I got out and do my business - I extend my rear legs shake them about as if to say "Ta-dah", it makes my Foster Parents laugh with joy to see me do this. I'm just so proud of myself for going outside, cold or rain doesn't stop me. I sleep in my crate all night, I might do a big shake every once in awhile in the middle of the night and make you think I'm breaking out, but that's just what I do. As long as you get me up between 6 & 7 AM, I don't have an accident in my crate. My mature body is able to hold it for almost 9 hours in my crate at night. Since I've spent so much of my life in a crate, my Foster Parents had initially set me up in a private room just off the kitchen where I could come out if I wanted, which was rarely, but I got to see all that's going on in the household. 2010 UPDATE: I no longer need this private accommodation, I've learned that the kitchen isn't that big & scary any more and my Foster Parents have a pet tent in the kitchen for me and I love it! Many things used to scare me, but I'm getting better each day! I'm current on all my vaccinations and I've already had my spay surgery and a dental. I don't really enjoy going outside, but once you get me outside on lead - I really enjoy going for walks and strutting my stuff. I have yet to learn what toys are and what playing in general means. At my age, who needs it anyway! When I first arrived in my foster home, I didn't even like treats and my kibble needed to be mixed with some good broth or forget it, plus I wasn't crazy about going to the water bowl for drinks - the kitchen used to seem like a big scary place to me. 2010 UPDATE: The kitchen is a source of two good kibble meals a day and I am now using the community water bowl like a pro. No more broth for me, unless Foster Mom wants to spoil me every one in awhile - I, of course, don't mind that. I love treats and come running every time they get handed out to the pack here. The pack here consists of two other IG's, a Whippet & a Greyhound. I don't mind the big dog - she's pretty cool and I walk under her to get a drink without fear. I'm about 11 lbs. and my body looks great. I don't mind if you cut my nails, a girl's got to look her best when she's up for adoption. I shake a little when I get my monthly bath, but after all, I'm an IG - that's what we do when we get wet. I'm looking like a true IG Diva and looking forward to many happy years of retirement in my new forever home. I'd love to meet you & don’t worry if I shake a little bit - I'm a bit nervous and excited all in the same IGGY breath! (fostering in San Antonio area) |
Taylor
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IGCA about Taylor
Meet Taylor. He's a big, sturdy, handsome, mature adult, mostly seal with just enough white markings to highlight his strong neck and shoulders. This fellow loves the ladies. As for men, he's most comfortable with those who are gentle and patient (he's too refined for rough-housing). Taylor enjoys his four legged friends, too.
Taylor is in excellent health — no heartworms, and he's had a thorough veterinary examination, dental cleaning, and vaccinations. He is neutered, fine with his crate, and ready to nestle into his new Forever Home.
Like many of us, Taylor is working on toning and firming. He thinks he would be more comfortable a couple of pounds lighter than his current 22-pounds. At 10 years old, Taylor is alert and curious, but also relaxed and adaptable. Taylor would love to be your choice for a best buddy. |
Bridgette
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IGCA about Bridgette
Bridgette here. Please pronounce it "Bridge-ET". I’m so disarmingly unaware of my beauty, don’t you think? It’s a gift, and yet, a burden. I’m a leggy fawn-and-white with a stunning profile, and plenty of confidence. Spare me the timid; I need an owner and housemates who are my equals. What’s mine is mine by golly. (Maybe I need a little help with that.)
I’m only 6 years old, so I’m energetic — I like to see, and chase, and talk! I’ll be your watchdog, keep your windows clear of cobwebs, and your yard clear of small animals, including silly cats. Although dogs bigger than me are scary, I’m great with gentle children. I’ll go in my crate when you say so, but I’d really rather sleep with my person. I even give sweet kisses! I’m good in the house, ask to go out for potty, and love my food. I may need help with portion control, but hey, who doesn’t? If you are lively like me, we could have a beautiful friendship!
I’m spayed, veterinarian checked, and ready-to-go. I recently had a couple of pesky tumors removed from my back legs and unfortunately the tests came back positive for hemangiosarcoma. This is a form of skin cancer that leads to blood fed tumors which will require removal. If not removed they can spread to my internal organs. Since I am prone to developing these tumors in the future, you just need to be aware that removal of them is essential to my well being. For this reason I am considered a “Special Needs” girl. |
Marilyn
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IGCA about Marilyn
I’m Marilyn and I’m comically cute, with my short-ish nose and my bug-ish eyes — to know me is to love me. My coat is fawn and white, and a little longer and thicker than many Iggies have. Proud to say I’m on thyroid meds (no big deal) and am down to a svelte 11.5 lbs. I knew it was my thyroid — I’ve never been big boned in my life.
In my 7 years, I’ve had a tough time working in a puppy mill. Boy, I’m glad to be retired now! Some of the scars linger. Some you can see and some you can’t. That’s why I need a sensitive environment, with people who would feel joy in helping a fearful and insecure dog like me gain confidence and live a contented life.
I’m off to a good start — spayed, thoroughly vetted, and passed my dental, only losing a few teeth. Plus I’m crate trained, walk well on a leash, and use my strong, deep bark only when appropriate – for instance if you forget it’s cookie time. I like other dogs, especially the small ones, but I’m not scared of the big guys. I do great with children. They can cradle me like a baby and I will love it!
I’m fond of curling up to watch a little TV, too, especially if you like Animal Planet and Lifetime movies. If your home has kind and patient people and there’s no yelling like on Judge Judy (I don’t like Judge Judy, she scares me), I’d sure love to come live there, and show you my sweet personality and natural curiosity. My foster dad insists my age not be held against me. I have a lot of potential for happiness -- both the giving and receiving kind. (fostering in San Antonio area) |
Emily
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IGCA about Emily
Emily — a 9-pound, 2-3-year-old female — is an adorable blue pied (all white body with blue head). She came into rescue very sad, afraid, and extremely thin. But this little girl is a survivor and a quick learner! Within a few weeks in foster care, Emily gained weight along with a significant amount of confidence. She blossomed and is learning how to play with toys and her foster sisters.
Emily is very loving, sweet, and a sensitive darling. What do we mean by sensitive? Well, we think she was not socialized much in her earlier years. Emily gets stressed by anyone new that comes into our home, and she barks to express her fear of new people. We are working on that and think that the right family can help her come around to be able to enjoy visitors in the home.
She absolutely adores her foster family and Iggy sisters. She has the cutest happy dance we have ever seen. She stands on her hind legs and waives her long chopstick legs high over her head with her paws stretched open. We love feeding times so we can delight in her happy dance.
Emily also "talks" quite a bit. She chortles while we prepare her meals, she has a happy sounding whinny when we get home from work, and she whines when sleepy and can't decide where to lay down for a nap. Her antics are quite adorable if you like that sort of thing. Her foster family thinks her vocalizations are very cute and special.
We are working on leash and potty training. She is smart and learning fast. As soon as she is fully recovered from her dental and spay, Emily will be available for adoption with a family that is looking for a very pretty, small IG, with quirky and lovable traits. |
Agata
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IGCA about Agata
My name, Agata, means "friendly with everyone" in Greek! And it’s true, I never met a stranger. I’m very people-oriented and cuddly. Heck, I’d like to be carried everywhere you go! I’m only 12 pounds, so it’s easy to do. You won’t ever forget about me, because I’ll demand your attention. Then I’ll tuck my chin coquettishly so you can kiss my forehead.
I’ve already shown my foster family that I’m easy going and adaptable. I get along well with other dogs, especially if they groom me. (I would insert a smiley face here if I knew how.) I have some pretty neat tricks, too, like sit, come, and (get this) SHAKE HANDS.
When I was found wandering the street alone, the nice rescue people took me to the vet, who said I had heartworms. I’m getting treatment now and will be good as new by mid-February. Fortunately my pearly whites are beautiful, maybe because I’m only 4 years old.
I’m a really good housedog, because I love young children and cats, I’m house-broken and crate-trained, and I’m good on a leash and in the car. But far from being boring, I can impishly table-surf, and keep you on your toes with my intelligence.
Get to know me. I have a really happy face. |
Stormy
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IGCA about Stormy
Click here to see Stormy's YouTube video
Hi, my name is Stormy. I am an elegant 10 year old lady, tiny at 7.5 pounds. Everyone can tell that I have been shown lots of love in my life, because I am VERY affectionate, and I LOVE humans. I give lots of kisses and prefer a lap over anything else. Dogs are ok too, but I would prefer an Iggie close to my age…my foster sisters are young whipper-snappers, and they can be quite annoying. My foster mom thinks I may have been an only dog, and that would be OK with me in my new home too, as long as the humans aren’t gone too much. I’m not too sure of cats. I was scared of them at first, but then I got brave one day and thought it might be fun to corner one and bark at it really loudly…that didn’t work out too well…those things can be REALLY MEAN!
I have excellent manners. No accidents in the house, but I don’t scratch or bark when I need to go, so I am on a schedule. I know the word ‘potty’, and I do a little dance when you ask me if I need to go, so that’s working fine for now. I walk very politely on a leash, and I do well in the car. If all the humans are leaving the house, I go straight to my crate when I am asked, and I don’t mind being in there one bit…as long as it’s not too long. My crate will do just fine for sleeping arrangements too, but I really prefer to be in bed under the covers with you.
My mouth was in really bad shape, but the vet got me all fixed up. I have 5 teeth left, and my tongue tries to sneak out of my mouth sometimes, but everyone tells me it just adds to my cuteness. I am ready for adoption now, and I can’t wait to be your new forever snuggle-bug! (fostering in Corpus Christi)
UPDATE — This tiny little girl has come a long way in the past couple of months. She has had all those nasty abscessed teeth pulled, leaving her with 5 good chompers. She has had her fistula repaired, her thyroid level corrected, has gained a pound, and is growing the most wonderful fuzzy soft coat of hair! Stormy is an absolute little joy to have around (spunky as all can be), and has learned how to boss her foster sisters around, even if she doesn't have any teeth to back her up! This little girl lives to be in a lap, and is the biggest drama queen you will ever meet. |
Santina
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IGCA about Santina
Click here to see Santina's Slideshow
Ciao! My name is Santina . I’ve got some health issues that need to be worked out, so I’m not quite ready yet for my forever home, but I’m in hopes you read this and keep me in mind.
I am a very petite girl at 2 yrs. of age. I’ve had it pretty rough for most of my life until recently. I use to live on a porch with 2 brothers and 1 sister and I didn’t have lots of human contact. I’m not too much on treats or toys. I am truly a lap dog and love attention. You can fire your shadow, I’m the replacement. I am house-trained but it would be up to you to take me out often so I won’t forget and have an accident. I will go outside no matter what the weather but I want you to stay with me, please. Sharp noises kind of scare me. I sleep thru the night in my kennel with no problem; I don’t cry or have accidents. I wouldn’t mind being in a house with other small dogs.
I am in a loving foster home now with a stepsister and stepbrother IG and we all get along just fine, we love to cuddle. I’ve never met a cat so we will see how that goes. I would be a great companion for a long time…please come meet me when the time is right…..I will let you know! (fostering in New Braunfels area) |
Trevor
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IGCA about Trevor
First of all, Trevor is a girl. She’s been shuttled around quite a bit – rescued from a huge mill in Florida, driven to Tennessee and then flown here to Houston (courtesy of a very generous San Antonio volunteer). Every foster along the way has intended to change her name, but bless her little puppy mill heart, she just isn’t a girly-girl and that name is about the only thing she has been able to hang onto. So, Trevor, she is.
Marilyn, was her companion, perhaps related, we aren’t sure. Trevor adored Marilyn to the point that it was holding Marilyn back and imprisoning Trevor emotionally, so the decision was made to split them up to see what they would do. You can read about Marilyn, she’s listed here too, but it seems to have been a good thing for my girl.
She has a long way to go before she will discover her Iggy soul, but Trevor has made huge strides. She was a dog who was frozen in fear and would not come out of her crate, eat, drink or relieve herself while anyone was looking. Now, she has discovered the satisfaction of curling up in a chair with my husband at her side and our Poochino sitting on top of her, and will stay that way much longer than anyone else can. Of course, that has meant that now she’s not quite so crazy about the crate, and although we still feed her there, it’s not where she wants to be. We think that’s a good thing. Trevor is also less afraid while eating and when feeling especially secure, will take a treat from our hand. We’ve made progress in the housetraining area as well. Blessed with a great bladder, even to begin with there were minimal accidents, but she no longer looks for a rug. She’s become less panicked by the open space of the back yard and when we take her there, has figured out what her job is and does it quite efficiently. The cold weather has played its part :0)
Fear is still her biggest burden. Once in our arms, she is fine, but watching her work up the courage to come so she can be picked up is a little heartbreaking. But she does it, and it will get easier for her. After 7 years of being penned up with little human contact and no affection, we don’t expect an instant recovery and are honored to be a part of the process. As you’ll see, she is a beautiful girl. Those big eyes just look right through you. For now, though, she needs a very special family, one with patience, a huge heart and the desire to help her on her way to learning what trust is all about. |
Marco

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IGCA about Marco
Marco is a very sweet and loving Biggy Iggy — 17 pounds and about 19" at the shoulder — a 'real Biggy Iggy!'. He is a beautiful seal and white boy with striking wild Irish markings, and is a very young 11-year-old. It seems that Marco has been taught some tricks and will 'Sit' and 'Speak' on command. He is a super-great boy who deserves to have a forever home where he is cherished for all of his wonderful traits!
Marco and Pie are being fostered together and are very similar in behaviors. Hanging out with the humans on the couch tops the list, but lounging in the sun would be a close second for them both! They have benefited from the comfort that a pack brings and enjoy the companionship of dogs and humans (children included).
Unfortunately, like Pie, Marco tested heartworm-positive, and therefore, will not be ready for adoption until he completes his treatments for this disease. Marco is crate-trained and eats and sleeps in his crate. However, he is always happy to snuggle up right next to his favorite human. Marco would be fine in a home with other dogs, and would do best in this setting-or at least best when he shares his company with someone most times. Marco would not be happy or content to be alone for long periods of time. He is not alpha or aggressive, but is quite social and loves to hang out with his canine or human pack. Marco has shown an interest in the cat on the other side of the fence. A test has yet to be done to see how Marco would react to a cat in his near vicinity, so might be considered unfriendly to cats.
In addition to the heartworm health issue, it seems this lounging in the sun behavior has its advantages and disadvantages. Just like us, they can develop skin caner. Sweet Marco had a couple of suspect tumors removed and sent off for evaluation for cancer. The results were not as we would have hoped and one came back positive for hemangiosarcoma. These are blood-fed tumors that can be benign-requiring removal when bleeding cannot be stopped, or cancerous-requiring removal for cure. If these cancerous tumors are allowed to remain, they will eventually metastasize/spread to internal organs; often times, the spleen, heart and lungs. Marco is prone to these tumors, benign and cancerous, and will require the removal of any tumors that develop to remain cancer-free. For this reason, Marco is considered a Special Needs boy. (fostering in Beaumont area) |
Pie
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IGCA about Pie
Pie-guy, as we lovingly call him, is now ready-to-go! He has completed his heartworm treatment and the extra month of rest and is ready to join his family in his forever home. Not that we aren't smitten by him, we most definitely are...as he is quite the charmer; but he deserves to have a family of his very own. Pie is such a lover boy, suave...he actually hugs you with his long arms and paws. He likes to nuzzle and snuggle and he is a very good space heater! His favorite place to be is under a blanket...so watch out before you sit down. Pie does well with other small dogs, is a little protective of his favorite human, but is easily corrected. Larger dogs make him fluff up, but he does this out of fear...not true aggression. He has some scarring that may indicate he was attacked by an animal larger than he, explaining this response to larger dogs. He has adjusted to our larger dogs, so with effective pack leadership, he will integrate well with a pre-existing pack. We cat tested him, and yes, he might like to eat cats-needless to say, we didn't let it get that far! Pie is good with respectful children and likes gentle play. The recent cold snap has brought out the frisky side of Pie...and since he has completed his heartworm treatment, we finally got to see him run-yes, he's fast. He is crate-trained, eats and sleeps in crate...but I highly recommend conserving energy and allowing him to snuggle up and make it a one-dog-night! He is fully-vetted and ready to share his loving ways with you. If you need a snuggle buddy, a calm, affectionate, slightly possessive middle-aged gentleman to keep you company...Pie is YOUR guy! Come and meet him once and you will not be able to resist taking him home-for ever. (fostering in Beaumont area) |
Rhett
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IGCA about Rhett
I had the pleasure of IGGY sitting Rhett over the 2009 Christmas Holiday. He is such a loving boy and proved to be quite trainable! Rhett was quick to warm up to my two IGGY girls, Kayla & Kirby. He spent most of the week cleaning their ears and giving them kisses. Rhett was a bit shy with my husband and I at first, which is to be expected. However, as soon as he saw the girls were being loved on, he decided we couldn't be that scary. Rhett loves head scratches and shows his gratitude with multiple kisses and nudges. When we took all three iggies to the park for a run, he ran loops around my two year old IGGY, Kirby. He has such a gentle disposition you just wouldn't expect him to be a formidable playmate for Kirby, whom we lovingly call our "Bully Girl-Pup." Rhett didn't appear to be crate trained, but it might have been nerves. Although he wore a washable puppy diaper while at my house — they stayed clean — no mistakes in the house! He didn't even lift his leg to "remind" me he had come to visit, like most boy puppies!;) Sometimes when we were napping, he slept on the pillow with his head nestled against mine. Conveniently enough, he would merely lick my face to let me know he needed to potty. Rhett will be a such a good addition to any family — we know he is good with children too — that is looking for a playful mature IGGY pup. I do hope he finds his forever home in 2010! |
Riker
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IGCA about Riker
My name is Riker. My foster mom tells me all the time how handsome I am, and I have to agree — for an 11 year old male, I do have a striking appearance. I also have a loving personality, I'm house-broken, and I love walks and curling up in your lap. I am also happy in my kennel with my blankie I use to cover myself up with.
My forever home wish is to be in a home with, or without, other dogs, and I prefer older children. My first owner is ill and had to give me up. You will find I am very adaptable to any situation. Your home will be filled with love and devotion. |
Carmen
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IGCA about Carmen
Cats must GO! Fair warning. My name is Carmen, and I am a sight hound to the core of my being. My life purpose is to terrorize cats, all of them, everywhere! I can hide in the dark and sneak up on them thanks to my beautiful black coat.
This is not to suggest that I am unidimensional. Indeed, I love to wrangle with other big Iggies like me. You see, I’m not a delicate flower. I’d be keen on having a regular wrestling partner my own size. If they like hunting cats too, yippee! It’s possible that I may want to be the dominant dog, but I’m not going to knock over the furniture or anything.
I’m friendly, good-natured, and gentle, and greet everyone with kisses. But I take my time before getting into a serious relationship with someone new. Being inside the house is great, but .... is that an open door ....? I am basically a good dog, and as a bonus I will help you hone your dog-training skills. As for my people, I love your attention and to sleep with you. Any human in the house will do so long as they let me under the covers. But I can allow you to have other things on your lap besides me. In fact, sometimes I need alone time to contemplate my own navel.
I’m easy to feed because I love my food. I mean, I LOVE food. I’m really active so I need my fuel. Just maybe not as much as I think I need. Good thing I don’t have money or I’d buy myself LOTS of treats. I understand the leash, and love the dog park. I’m doing great learning to go potty outside. Hopefully I’ll see a cat while I’m out there! Have you ever noticed how cats can distract you from stuff like going potty or your mom calling?
I love my name, Carmen. It gives me kind of an international flair. And you may have noticed my white fashion booties and bib. I wear them all the time. Since I’m only 4 years old, I can make you laugh for many years to come. Take me home. Just don’t forget that cats must go! |
Jelly
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IGCA about Jelly
Click here to see Jelly's video
Got a lap? I could be your best cuddle-buddy. My name is Jelly; I’m a serene 7-year-old fawn with a heart full of goodness. I’m so happy to have been spayed, veterinarian checked, vaccinated, and to be ready for my new home. Since I’m quite social, I would be pleased to share it with other dogs and people. My crate is ok if there isn’t a lap available. As much as I love my food, I haven’t let myself go. Look how fit I am! I have vowed to continue with good food choices and portion control. How big is a portion, anyway? As for important business, I choose to do it outside, but watch out, fences mean nothing to me. I may be little, but I'm mighty. To compensate for that naughtiness, I have these adorable floppy ears. Should we have a lap test? (fostering in El Campo area) |
Anna
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IGCA about Anna
Click here to see Anna's YouTube video
Annette is
a 6 1/2 year old female who is no longer a working girl. Called
Anna in her foster home, she has been a bit timid so far in her
new life as a pet. We think that with time and patience, she will
overcome her fears she already craves attention, but
is still a little nervous when she gets it.
Anna is a gentle
dog, and is not a pack leader. She gets along well with the other
dogs in her foster home, though she doesn't play with them yet.
She is not used to a leash, but her foster parents have started
leash-training (we'll keep you posted).
We think Anna
will do best in a home with a backyard, and another iggy, or two,
to show her the ropes. She is a great little dog, and with time
and a gentle hand she will blossom into the IG princess she was
meant to be. |
Joey
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IGCA about Joey
Click here to see Joey's YouTube video
Wait, wait! Don’t skip my bio. I’ve got an update! I am doing great. I like the good life in my foster home. I am a “good-natured sweetheart,” as my foster mom calls me, who wants a chance to be someone’s special boy. She says at 9 years-old I am a distinguished gentleman, but I am not so distinguished that I would miss a chance to frolic with my foster sister. (Hey don’t blame me, she started it!) My foster family was so worried that I’d be heartbroken without my sister Lily when she found her forever home, and yeah, I missed her at first, but my foster sister licks my ears, and I am just happy Lily is finally getting all the loving she deserves. My foster mom says I’ve even become more affectionate since Lily left, kind of gave me the extra push to reach out more to the humans in my home. But I was already pretty good at getting pets. With all those other iggies in the house a guy has to do what a guy has to do. For me, that is to put my paw on my foster mom’s arm or thigh and gaze into her eyes and remind her to turn off the computer and just give me some loving. I’ve learned to stand still so she can pick me up and then I relax in her arms, and when I am really happy to see her, I even give a kiss or two. I am very good with my potty habits, and get along well with all the other IG's that come in and out of this house.
If you are that special person for me, you know, the one who can appreciate a 9 years-young, shy-at-first, gentleman, I hope you will fill out an application so you can meet me in person. I want to tell Lily I found my forever home, too. Oh and please take a look at my new video so you can see for yourself how dashing and happy I am. (Like all our IG's, Joey is neutered and fully vetted, and ready to go.) |
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*IGCA Rescue
operations are totally funded by the Italian Greyhound Club of America/IGRF,
a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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